Civil Engineering and Architecture 13(4): 3220-3236, 2025 http://www.hrpub.org
DOI: 10.13189/cea.2025.130427
A Review of Accessibility in Sustainable Bus Transport
Infrastructure for Persons with Locomotor Disabilities
Amit Kinjawadekar, Nandineni Rama Devi, Shantharam Patil
*
Manipal School of Architecture and Planning, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 57104, Karnataka, India
Received February 27, 2025; Revised June 9, 2025; Accepted July 23, 2025
Cite This Paper in the Following Citation Styles
(a): [1] Amit Kinjawadekar, Nandineni Rama Devi, Shantharam Patil , "A Review of Accessibility in Sustainable Bus
Transport Infrastructure for Persons with Locomotor Disabilities," Civil Engineering and Architecture, Vol. 13, No. 4,
pp. 3220 - 3236, 2025. DOI: 10.13189/cea.2025.130427.
(b): Amit Kinjawadekar, Nandineni Rama Devi, Shantharam Patil (2025). A Review of Accessibility in Sustainable Bus
Transport Infrastructure for Persons with Locomotor Disabilities. Civil Engineering and Architecture, 13(4), 3220 -
3236. DOI: 10.13189/cea.2025.130427.
Copyright©2025 by authors, all rights reserved. Authors agree that this article remains permanently open access under the
terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0 International License
Abstract Accessibility is a critical aspect of global
sustainable transportation, fostering inclusive growth,
equitable mobility and urban resilience for all citizens.
Ensuring the availability of an inclusive transportation
system is paramount for well-being of all, particularly for
persons with locomotor disabilities. The relationship
between physical infrastructure and the mobility of persons
with disabilities has garnered considerable academic
attention. Despite increasing focus on accessible
transportation, there remains a significant gap in research
on concerns related to persons with restricted mobility in
urban bus transport infrastructure. This study
systematically reviews existing literature on accessibility
in bus transportation, integrating built environment
considerations, principles of sustainable transit and
technological advancements. Using a structured
methodology based on PRISMA guidelines, eighty full text
articles published after 2008 were reviewed from Scopus,
PubMed and Web of Science. Findings from global
research highlight accessibility challenges and potential
solutions. The study emphasises the role of universal
design principles in the built environment and related
technological interventions to enhance transit accessibility.
Key findings indicate that structural barriers such as
inaccessible bus stops, lack of ramps along with social and
attitudinal factors significantly hinder mobility of persons
with locomotor disabilities. Policy enforcement and
stakeholder collaboration are crucial in implementation of
sustainable, inclusive transportation solutions. The review
suggests urban bus networks must adopt a holistic,
multimodal approach, integrating electric and autonomous
vehicles to facilitate accessible mobility while reducing
environmental impact. Practical implications include
recommendations for stakeholders to incorporate inclusive
design, improve service quality, and enforce accessibility
regulations. Socially, the study advocates for greater public
awareness, sensitivity training for transit personnel, and
inclusive urban planning to empower persons with
disabilities and promote community engagement. The
findings contribute significantly to equitable mobility,
aligning with United Nations Sustainable Development
Goals (SDG-11) and the Convention on the Rights of
Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). This research lays
the groundwork for future studies on accessibility,
sustainability, and technological innovation in public
transportation, supporting the development of smarter,
more adaptable transit networks that prioritise inclusivity,
and improve quality of life for individuals with mobility
impairments and contributing to the broader goal of
creating liveable, resilient cities.
Keywords Accessibility, Sustainable Bus Transport,
Locomotor Disabilities, Built Environment, Wheelchair
1. Introduction
As per World Bank estimates, globally one hundred
crore people encounter disabilities in various forms, and